What are Ulcers on Koi and Goldfish?
Ulcers on koi and goldfish are the result of bacterial infection by aeromonas and pseudomonas strains which are present in every pond but really only become invasive when a fish suffers from damaged scales or in stressful situations related to poor water quality.
Ulcers are open sores or 'holes'
appearing on various parts of the body of the koi or goldfish but usually on the
belly or sides. An ulcer is easily seen using the naked eye.. The area is
normally red and scales show as being lifted.
Koi and goldfish are more likely to suffer from ulcer disease in spring when they come out of their winter dormancy and at which time their immune systems are compromised.
The use of products like Viresco Koi and Koizyme mop up Aeromonas bacteria in pond water which means that the chances of a koi or goldfish succumbing to ulcer disease is reduced considerably.
Treatment of Ulcers in Koi and Goldfish
Reduce stress levels
Make sure the biofilters is running well and there is no ammonia or nitrite build up. Add salt up to 1% level to help with the osmotic pressure stresses caused by the open wound ulcer. If the ulcerated fish recovers it will be necessary to reduce the salt concentration by making water changes.
Treatment of Ulcers on Koi and Goldfish
The only real treatment holding out a good chance of recovery from an ulcer infection is to treat the koi or goldfish outside of the pond using antibiotics under expert advice. The fish may have to be anaesthetized.
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